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Lesson 3 - Boundaries and Service Rules

Racquet Skills & Control

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Year 2

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Sending and Receiving

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45 min

Big Question

How do boundaries help us play fair games together?

Learning Objectives

To understand and apply basic service rules in net games
To recognise when a ball is 'in' or 'out' of court boundaries
To work collaboratively as a team to score points

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate understanding of court boundaries by correctly identifying 'in' and 'out' balls
Students will apply basic service rules when starting rallies
Students will show effective teamwork through communication and encouragement

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Balls

7 balls per court

Place balls in container at side of each court

Alternative: Bean bags, soft play balls

Tennis Rackets

1 per court (3-4 courts ideal)

Set at appropriate height for Year 2 (approximately 60cm)

Alternative: Cones with string, benches, masking tape line

Markers Cones

10 cones per court

Mark service areas and court boundaries clearly

Alternative: Chalk lines, masking tape, spots

Tennis Court Markings Worksheet

1 per pair

Have ready for starter activity discussion

Alternative: Hand-drawn court diagram, interactive whiteboard image

Racquets

1 per child if available

Only use if children have prior racquet experience

Alternative: Hands only, padder bats, paper plates

Key Vocabulary

Boundaries

The lines that mark the edge of the playing area

Service area

The special area where the ball must land when starting a rally

Rally

The sequence of shots between teams from serve until a point is scored

Baseline

The back line of the tennis court

Net

The barrier that divides the court between the two teams

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching skills
Understanding of taking turns
Simple game rules following

Current Skills

Recognising court boundaries
Basic service technique
Team communication and cooperation

Next Steps

Advanced serving techniques
Tactical positioning in court games
Complex boundary rules and scoring systems

Milestone Indicators

Consistently identifies in/out balls

Serves with improving accuracy

Shows leadership in team activities

Key Teaching Points

Boundaries create fairness and structure in games
Service rules apply only to the start of each rally
Accuracy is more important than power in throwing activities
Teamwork requires communication and mutual support
Rules help everyone enjoy the game and play safely
Gentle, controlled movements lead to better accuracy
Good sportsmanship means accepting decisions gracefully

Common Misconceptions

Thinking service rules apply to every shot in a rally - clarify it's only the first shot
Believing harder throws are always better - emphasise control and accuracy
Assuming boundaries are just lines - explain they create fair play structure
Thinking catching before the bounce is better - reinforce the 'one bounce' rule
Believing individual skill is more important than teamwork - highlight collaborative success

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent activity changes, clear boundary expectations, immediate feedback and praise for attention

dyspraxia

Larger equipment for easier handling, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time for skill development

autism spectrum

Clear, predictable routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and high-contrast boundary markers, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system for navigation

hearing impairment

Visual signals for game starts/stops, demonstration-heavy teaching, written instruction cards available

physical disability

Adapted throwing techniques, seated playing positions available, modified court sizes and equipment

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting points scored, measuring court distances, geometric shapes of court areas

Science

Forces in throwing, ball bounce and surface interaction, trajectory and angles

Geography

Spatial awareness, directions and positioning, mapping court layouts

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, fair play and respect, managing emotions in competition

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location between courts for maximum visibility and quick access to all groups

Observation Focus

Watch for rule understanding, technique development, and positive team interactions

Intervention Points

Step in for rule clarifications, technique corrections, or social skill support

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for boundary and service demonstrations, involve children in demonstrations when possible

Verbal Cues

•'Eyes on the ball!'
•'Gentle and accurate!'
•'Great teamwork!'
•'Remember the bounce rule!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Multiple court areas minimum 15m x 8m each, clear boundaries between courts

Surface Check

Dry, even surface with clearly visible boundary markings

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Balls appropriate size and softness for Year 2
•Nets at safe height (60cm) with no sharp edges
•Boundary markers secure and visible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between children during movement activities
•Tripping over balls or equipment
•Disputes over boundary decisions

Risk Mitigation

•Clear court boundaries and movement paths established
•Regular ball collection to prevent accumulation
•Teacher as final arbiter of boundary decisions
•Adequate spacing between courts and activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for oversight of all courts simultaneously
•Monitor energy levels and competitive tensions
•Ensure fair rotation and inclusion of all children

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal established, first aid kit accessible, clear evacuation routes maintained